Category: Independent Opinion

  • Are We There Yet?

    She would just love to sell her cell phone Lori Clinch From the moment I saw a woman on TV using a cell phone to call in a pizza, I wanted a cell phone so bad I couldn’t stand it. A cloud of desire came over me as I imagined all of the freedom that…

  • Lemma remarkably suited to fill Holmdel committee seat

    Larry Fink is a good man, and there is no argument he has dedicated himself to the tireless pursuit of preservation of our land here in Holmdel. However, the variables in Holmdel have changed and this year we have found ourselves is serious financial trouble. When my town has to start using tricky accounting practices…

  • Grandmother enlightened by Down syndrome child

    Did you know October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month? I did, that’s because I have a granddaughter with Down syndrome. Her name is Kayleen, and she lives here in Keyport. Before she was born, I didn’t know much about Down syndrome or the people who have it. Four-and-a-half years ago, my daughter told me she…

  • This year’s Matawan Day set new standard for event

    On Sept. 24, Matawan Day in Terhune Park – in my opinion and that of many others I’ve spoken with – was the best so far! Kudos to Donna Dow, our innovative, motivated and enthusiastic Matawan Recreation director. This year, the layout of the event was new. When I saw the several huge pieces of…

  • Obituaries

    Anna Ingardi Valanzano Mrs. Valanzano, 90, of South Boston, Va., died Sept. 26 in South Boston. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she resided in Matawan and Toms River before moving to South Boston. Mrs. Valanzano was a homemaker. She was predeceased by her husband, Carmine A. Valanzano; and a daughter, Mary Porretta. She is survived by…

  • High school students may also be tested for alcohol use

    MIDDLETOWN – A policy intended to test high school students for drugs is now including alcohol as part of the program. The policy, which was introduced at the Board of Education Sept. 19, will randomly test 10 percent of all students involved in extracurricular activities, including athletics, and those students who park their vehicles on…

  • Police thanked for response to burglary

    As you may recall, between Aug. 4 and 14, at least $2,100 worth of musical instruments and equipment were stolen from the Middletown High School South music room. While such an incident could have been devastating to the music program, it was with the assistance of the Middletown Police Department – specifically Detective Patricia Colangelo…

  • Sentence shows corrupt officials will see time

    A federal judge sent a strong message to public officials throughout the state with the two-year prison term he gave to former Hazlet Mayor Paul Coughlin. Coughlin, 42, was among 11 Monmouth County-area officials arrested on corruption charges in an FBI sting in February of 2005, and is also among the first to find out…

  • Resident thanks Hazlet for help during time of grief

    Last week, I buried my wonderful husband of 12 years, Michael L. Connors, who died suddenly at the tragically young age of 41. Next to being a loving husband and devoted father to our two small children, Kaylee and Ryan, the thing Mike loved best was being a firefighter. He loved being able to help…